Fogazzaro came from a wealthy family. He cultivated his interest in music and literature at his leisure and established his reputation as a novelist only late in life with Malombra (1881; The Woman), Daniele Cortis (1885; Daniele Cortis), and Il mistero del poeta (1888; The Poet’s Mystery). His best-known work, Piccolo mondo antico (1896; The Little World of the Past), was highly acclaimed, even by critics unsympathetic to his religious and philosophical ideas.

Fogazzaro became a member of the Italian Senate in 1896. He was the author of short stories and plays as well as of novels, and his poetry is collected in Valsolda (1886).

Inspire your inbox –
Sign up for daily fun facts about this day in history, updates, and special offers.

Enter your email

By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Click here to view our Privacy Notice. Easy unsubscribe links are provided in every email.

Thank you for subscribing!

Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.